Here's to New Beginnings!

Well, the Christmas season is officially behind us! The Lane family joined us for Christmas this year making the trek all the way from Houston, TX to Idaho Falls. I did that drive once and that was enough, but I suppose having to purchase plane tickets for 7 people could entice me to drive again. :) They seemed to have had a great time. Dawson and I sure did. The visit was almost too short. Kids all seemed happy with their gifts. Dawson enjoyed his gifts from relatives in Buffalo as well as all the fun things the Lane's offered up. Because of Keeton, he's been enthralled with Star Wars. As I type this, he's watching the original Star Wars movie for the 5th time in 2 days.

As for me, this year will be a defining moment in time for me. I have struggled with moving back to Buffalo for quite some time and keep rethinking back to a discussion several months ago. In response to my news that I'd like us to move back, I was told it would make life difficult for others. My initial reaction, Dawson would benefit from being more accessible to family members and "deal with it". As I was discussing a potential move with an acquaintance of mine who really does not know the specifics, she said, why would you want to leave - you have just established some roots here. I thought about that statement. That was my reasoning for returning to Buffalo - I felt those were "our" roots. And my purpose for moving here was to find a place that we could establish a "home" where Dawson and I could build a life - independent of anyone wanting or rejecting our time. We have established that here. We have built a home. I have discovered that perhaps I might have been returning for the wrong reasons. Perhaps not.

Dawson starts kindergarten this year. Milestones all the way around. As we move into this new year - I still remain uncertain about our future address. But I do know the steps to take to determine the right decision. Being of good mind, good body and in a position to make the choice that best serves Dawson and I. For these things I will work on and the Lord will direct us as he see's fit.

Dawson and I made one pact today. If I lose the 50lbs that I want too by my 40th birthday in July - we will take a week and go to California. We will spend time as Disneyland, Sea World and the beach and whatever we want to do! I have never been more motivated to get this weight off than that.

I start a new class in a week called Divorce Recovery. It's a 10 week class and I'm ready to move on and put this divorce behind me. The guilt and sorrow is consuming my life and there is no possible chance of reconciling - I need to move on and love again and allow myself to be loved.

My work is another great adventure for 2010. I have developed a new division of our company to do Plan Production services for our region. It has been a small but lucrative start and once I'm able to jump in 100% - it will take off. We have some regional meetings late January and I'm looking forward to drumming up business and flying with this new opportunity. Good things ahead for me this year.

I think with those key areas will enhance our lives to allow us to make the choices that will develop the next chapter of this book. I'm ready!

And the Holiday Season begins.......

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dawson and I had a wonderfully quiet Thanksgiving day. We spent a lazy day at home, put up the Christmas tree, and spent time with my friend Holly and her family for Turkey dinner. All was wonderful!

The next night we spent time making Dawson's letter to Santa. Because he still only knows letters and not words we got out our Christmas toy magazines and cut out pictures and pasted then into a letter. Rolled it up and put it under the tree for Santa's elves to come and get it. The legend goes that Santa sends out his elves on Thanksgiving weekend to collect all the "wish lists" and then takes them back to Santa so he knows what to bring on Christmas Eve. The Elves take the list and leave a little treat to show they were here.

Dawson and I stayed up as late as possible waiting for Santa's Elves, but missed them again. Next year we'll try.

The elves left the Snow White Movie, a candy treat of M&M's and a cute little snow globe that said Merry Christmas! What a fun surprise!

Everything else has been pretty quiet. I have finally given notice to change my status after the first of the year at work. I will be totally independent come January. I am very excited to have this opportunity - yet the stresses of making sure the income flows is always a concern - but it will work. I have put things in place to be prepared and have been so blessed thus far. Not much to worry about.

Jody and her family are due here for Christmas. We can't wait!! So, let the preparations begin!